Tips for Successfully Transitioning Your Pet from Puppy to Adult Food
Just like childhood, puppyhood does not last forever. Therefore, you need to transition your pet's diet from puppy food to adult food eventually. Notably, puppies need growth foods rich in protein and high calories to aid normal development. However, as your puppy transitions into adulthood, you need to change its diet accordingly. It can be a complicated process for most pet parents since they are often unsure how to do it successfully. Fortunately, this article highlights tips to help transition your pet from puppy to adult food.
Understand Dog Breed and Size
Dog breeds grow at different rates, and you need to keep that in mind when planning to transition them from puppy to adult food. According to vets, most puppies are ready for adult food when approximately 80-90% of their adult size. The reason is that growth plates have closed by this time and do not need development foods. Besides, since your dog is not growing as much at this stage, their metabolism tends to slow down, and more puppy food will only make them become overweight. In this regard, understand how big your dog will be when they reach adulthood so that you can successfully transition them to adult food.
Read Your Dog's Body Language
If you are keen, your pet dog with throw telltale signs your way that they are ready to ditch their puppy food and are ready for adult food. Unfortunately, most pet parents do not know how to read the signs and fail to transition their dogs successfully. If you notice your dog skipping meals or becoming picky at foods that they would usually devour, it might be time to switch to adult food. The reason is that adult dogs eat much less than their puppy versions, thanks to their reduced metabolism. Thus, your dog will easily get full with puppy food and will often not empty their bowl like they used to before. However, if such signs persist even after fully transitioning to adult food, you should see a vet to address your dog's lack of appetite.
Gradual Transition
It can be tempting to replace your puppy's diet all at once, but it will only shock your furry friend. Since they are used to eating puppy food, the chances are high that they will not like the adult food you place in their bowl. Therefore, the trick for a successful transition is to approach the process gradually. For instance, start by mixing puppy food with adult food in equal proportions. Then, gradually increase the portion of adult food for some time until your dog becomes comfortable. Remember, avoid buying adult dog food in bulk during the transition period because you still have to establish their likes and dislikes.
Keep these tips in mind when looking for dog food from suppliers near you.
Share